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Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Green Beans - A Simple, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Green beans: 1 pound fresh, trimmed
  • Garlic: 5–6 cloves, minced (or 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder in a pinch)
  • Parmesan: 1/2 cup finely grated
  • Butter: 3 tablespoons, melted
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Lemon: 1, for zest and juice (optional but recommended)
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper: To taste (about 1–1.5 teaspoons kosher salt total, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper)
  • Red pepper flakes: Pinch, optional for heat
  • Fresh parsley: A small handful, chopped (optional for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels. If using breasts, slice large ones in half horizontally for even cooking. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Mix the garlic Parmesan coating: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, half the Parmesan (1/4 cup), and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Stir until glossy.
  3. Preheat and heat the pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if finishing in the oven. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
  4. Sear the chicken: Add chicken in a single layer. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Cook the green beans: Add green beans to the same skillet with a pinch of salt and a splash more oil if needed. Sauté 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
  6. Add flavor to the beans: Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the garlic Parmesan mixture over the beans and toss to coat. Squeeze in a little lemon juice if you like.
  7. Return chicken to the pan: Nestle the chicken back in among the beans. Brush or spoon the remaining garlic Parmesan mixture over the chicken pieces.
  8. Roast to finish: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan over everything. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  9. Add zest and rest: Remove from the oven, grate a little lemon zest over the top, and let rest 3 minutes. The zest brightens the richness.
  10. Garnish and serve: Scatter chopped parsley over the skillet. Taste and adjust salt or lemon. Serve hot with extra Parmesan at the table.